The Collaborative Commission on Domestic Violence reported more than 17,000 people received non-residential crisis advocacy services in 2023.
SAN ANTONIO — The latest data from a local coalition of advocates reveals an increase in domestic violence-related homicides across Bexar County.
On Tuesday, the Collaborative Commission on Domestic Violence (CCDC) presented its 2023 Annual Statistical Report before the Bexar County Commissioners Court.
“For the 33 lives of women, men and children that were lost in 2023, we would like to respectfully request a brief moment of silence,” said Judge Monique Diaz, CCDV co-chair who presides over the 150th Civil District Court in Bexar County.
It was four years ago when 24 people die due to some form of domestic violence, per the report. The following year, 27 individuals were killed. The CCDV data indicates there were 33 domestic violence homicides in 2023.
“Individuals who were killed by domestic violence were equally broken down between adult women and adult men. Fourteen women, 14 men and five children, so that was a little unexpected,” Diaz said.
Calls made from Bexar County to the 211 help line also increased from 2022 to 2023. Meanwhile, domestic violence calls to law enforcement, the number of reports filed and cases prosecuted remain relatively consistent over a three-year period.
“I see these divorces and custody cases where domestic violence is brought up for the first time when they’re in court fighting for their children because they were too scared to bring it up before,” Diaz said.
According to the report, nearly 500 people in 2023 who used harm took part in a program run by Family Violence Prevention Services, which aims to cut down on the likelihood of future domestic violence.
More than 17,000 people received non-residential crisis advocacy services with the assistance of the Bexar County Family Justice Center, Metro Health and Family Violence Prevention Services.
Now the commission’s focus remains on improving resource awareness, encouraging people to speak out and becoming more trauma informed on how to help families heal.
“Calling 911 if there is an emergency is important but there are also nonprofit organizations like the P.E.A.C.E Initiative for example and the Women’s Battered Shelter as well,” said Deputy City Manager Maria Villagomez.
Meanwhile, advocates from across Texas are pushing for enhanced policies in Austin when it comes to legislation focused on teen dating violence education in schools.